Walkability is sometimes reduced to metres between destinations. A more useful assessment considers continuity, comfort, legibility and the number of decisions required along the way.
Map friction
Count interruptions such as exposed crossings, changes in level and dead ends. Observe where people already choose a different route from the one a plan suggests. These moments reveal hidden costs of movement.
Measure comfort in sequence
Shade, seating and active edges matter as a chain. One comfortable segment cannot compensate for a long hostile stretch. Test a complete journey at the times different users are likely to make it.
Use the findings
Translate the observations into design requirements: a shorter crossing, clearer entrance, additional shaded pause or better connection to public transport. Measurement is most valuable when it changes the plan.